Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is the subject of a possible three-way transfer tug of war this summer after Newcastle United look set to clash with Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan to secure the services of the England international.
As reported by the Telegraph’s James Ducker, Lingard – who is set to depart Old Trafford and put an end to a 21-year relationship with the Red Devils that began at the academy level – will be available on a free transfer after the Warrington-native decided against renewing his contract in the northwest of England.
Jesse Lingard wanted by AC Milan, Juventus and Newcastle as Manchester United star looks to move | @TelegraphDuckerhttps://t.co/OqBozzvdQt
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) May 4, 2022
Lingard had shown in the second half of last season during a brilliant loan spell under David Moyes at West Ham which aided the Hammers in securing European football in the current 2021-22 campaign, but instead of pushing for a full transfer to the capital last summer, he opted to return to United in the hopes of re-establishing himself at his boyhood club.
But that has not come to pass under Ole Gunnar Solskjær nor interim boss Ralf Rangnick, and with incoming tactician Erik ten Hag looking to revamp the United squad under his tenure beginning in the summer, Lingard’s future at the club is non-existent after the midfielder stated he had no interest in holding talks with the Dutchman.
With Newcastle undertaking their own rebuilding program with the view of upsetting the apple cart in the elite tier of the Premier League, St. James’ Park could be an ideal scenario for Lingard if he wishes to remain in-country while plying his trade for an ambitious club.
It is understood that interest in a move to Serie A would be massively appealing to Lingard for obvious reasons, however, with the pull of the Champions League and the pedigree that both Juventus and Milan can bring to the table far outstrips anything that Newcastle or West Ham can muster.
But Lingard will unquestionably want to try to work his way into the thinking of England manager Gareth Southgate with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar just around the corner, and avoiding having to adapt to life in a new country, culture, and league likely proving decisive if he was to hit the ground running outside English borders.
Newcastle remains in the running though, and given the wages they could offer Lingard, as well as a better chance of serious minutes on the pitch, could prove vital in negotiations.
